A senior publicist has dragged Radio Bop Africa to the cleaners for constructive dismissal and failing to pay her salary.
Lerato Phoku told Sunday World that she is waiting for her date to face off with her former employers at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Phoku has also opened a case of harassment against the new radio Bop Africa owner, Gift Mogapi, for allegedly intimidating her.
In February, she revealed that she served Mogapi with a protection order because she feared for her life. This after he sent her threatening messages when she enquired about her salary which was not paid for the month of January.
“This is affecting me terribly because my debit orders are bouncing back. I have no money to even go back home to Johannesburg as it is. I am broke,” she said at the time.
Trying to recoup unpaid salary owed
Following this, she was still not paid her salary, and she lodged a complained with the CCMA to recoup her money.
Phoku said she was not in any position to divulge details of the court case. However, she confirmed that she has dragged her former employers to court for compensation.
“I am seeking compensation which will be determined by the commissioner,” she said briefly.
Phoku started working at Radio Bop Africa In December, after moving from another big radio station in Johannesburg.
She says she relocated to North West with the promise that her new employer would fulfil his contract obligations as she did hers.
Phoku added that what hurts her the most is that she now feels like she must always watch her back. This as her former boss threatened her.
Ex-boss made threats that made her fear for her life
In a heated WhatsApp conversation between her and Mogapi, Phoku was warned to be careful as “he was connected”.
“Rest assured, I am constantly listing, making decisions that are always in the best interest of my people. Whether you choose to believe it or not, I am willing to go to great lengths. Even to the point of sacrificing my life for the betterment of my people,” Mogapi said.
Phoku opened a case of harassment against him at the Mahikeng police station on Monday.
She also obtained a protection order against her former boss.
In an open letter which was posted on social media on Tuesday, Phoku said she also approached the CCMA to deal with her labour issues.
Radio Bop Africa had not commented on the allegation made by Phoku by the time of publishing.
